The Columbia was called away from the mission to find a new planet to colonize and a spot for Starbase 4, when they received an emergency mission. Three ECS ships carrying trade goods from colonies to Earth were attacked. They sent out an emergency distress call then nothing was heard from them.
At Warp 6 the Columbia got to the spot of the distress call in less than two hours. Coming out of warp, they slowed and began taking scans.
"Tac, shields up and weapons hot," ordered Erica.
"Sir, I'm picking a lot of debris, enough debris for three cargo ships," said Ensign Kyle at the Science Station.
"Put it on the viewscreen," ordered Archer.
There on viewscreen was the debris of three ECS starships and cargo. ECS cargo ship was warp 3 capable and had a turret with two plasma cannons for protection. No shields, no ablative armor, just polarized hulls to protect them.
"What type of weapon was used?" asked Archer.
"Disruptor fire. It fits the energy signature of whatever ship killed the Moreland, sir," said Kyle.
"Damn," Archer growled.
"We better report this to Starfleet right away, Captain," said Erica.
"They're going to have to up their schedule of giving cargo ships escorts," stated Archer.
"The Earth Cargo Service better start thinking of putting shields on their ships and more than two cannons. These are generational ships carrying families because most of their older ships are only warp 2 capable. Some of the new freighters are warp 3 capable," remarked Erica.
Archer stood up.
"Erica, you have the conn. Comm Officer, get me Starfleet Command and put them through in my Ready Room," he said then he marched off the Bridge.
Erica sat down in the command chair. If she knew Jon, he was going to argue, cajole, and even beg, but more than likely demand, to go hunting for whoever did this.
STSTST
Wearing the white tunic and black pants of the new dress uniform, Trip arrived at the ceremony which was being held at Starfleet Academy on the quad. It was a beautiful, sunny day with blue skies and a slight breeze cooling the crowd. He knew that his parents were in the audience along with Lizzy, especially since she was a cadet, and Daniel and his family. He hoped Billy and Anna had skipped the ceremony because he was in the mood for protests or questions that made him look like a villain. As he sat on the stand while Admiral Forrest, Chief of Operations, was giving a long speech about the Enterprise and him.
A separate ceremony was held the day before for crew members who received commendations and medals, such as Chief Macfadden, Lieutenant Malcolm Reed, Ensign Hoshi Saito, Ensign Mayweather, Ensign Petrov, Specialist Deena Moore, and Petty Officer Dustin James. Trip was glad to see them receive their medals. Now he sat having to listen to someone praise him. Fifteen dead crew members said that he could have done better, should have done better.
Looking out into the crowd Trip thought he spotted T'Pol among the throng. She was dressed similarly to the way she dressed for the Jazz Club. T'Pol. He had not spoken to her in private since he kissed her. It was as if she was avoiding him, which he didn't blame her. He knew he was breaking personal boundaries of a Vulcan when he kissed her, but he couldn't help himself. Over the past months he fallen for her.
Trip's attention was drawn back to the stage. Forrest had finished up and Fleet Admiral Nomura was taken the podium to speak then to present the medals to him. The only thing he was glad about was that he didn't have to speak, though he did have to attend the luncheon afterwards.
STSTST
For the luncheon Trip sat the dais with Admiral Forrest, Admiral Leonard, Fleet Admiral Nomura, and Admiral Jefferies. He noticed that AG, limping and walking with a cane until he got used to his new prosthetic leg, sat with his parents and Daniel and his family, Dana, Dense, and Charles the Fourth, as Trip liked to call him. Lizzy was at a table filled with cadets, who had been given special privilege to attend the ceremony and luncheon. The rest of the people were VIPs and other Starfleet personnel.
"Don't forget that you are expected at a meeting in the morning with me and Jefferies. We have lots to talk about," said Forrest to Trip.
"I know, sir. I'll be there," he nodded as he sampled the soup, corn chowder. It was okay. He kind of wished chef was there to cook the lunch.
"We sent the Columbia out looking for whoever it is that is destroying ECS and Starfleet ships," said Leonard. "Archer all but demanded that we let him hunt whoever this is."
"I wish Captain Archer good luck with that," said Trip.
"Do you think an NX can handle this new enemy?" asked Forrest.
"Well, if he comes up against one of their drone-like ships, our comm array is strong enough to jam the signal controlling it. But I think some of these ships were destroyed by manned ships. I don't know what they are like," said Trip.
"Why do you say that you think some of their ships are manned?" asked Forrest.
"Disruptor fire that destroyed the Tiburon ship wasn't as powerful as the drone-like ship. My guess is that is because it carried crew and power consumption wasn't just engines, weapons, and mimicking tech, but for a crew and all that entails," stated Trip.
"Makes sense to me," said Leonard.
Forrest nodded. A waiter came and got their soups from them.
"What's for lunch?" asked Trip.
"Prime rib," smiled Forrest. "I think Nomura likes you he ordered it."
As dessert and coffee were being served, Trip excused himself and made his way to his parents' table. Approaching the table, AG stood up and offered him his hand to shake. They shook hands.
"You should have been sitting up there beside me, Captain," said Trip.
"Trip, enjoy the adulation. We don't get it too often," smiled AG then he sat back down.
Daniel grabbed a chair not being used from other table and made room for Trip. His mother kissed him and father patted his back then Trip sat down.
"I guess I'm land locked for awhile," he smiled.
"Good," said Elaine Tucker.
Trip chuckled.
"You got a ship. It just isn't built yet, Trip. Just show some patience and your be off into stars soon enough," said AG.
"I know. I have a meeting in the morning with Forrest and Jefferies. They want to talk," said Trip.
"Oh, Jefferies has his pet engineer back," grinned AG. "He is going to love building the Excalibur with you available to hound."
"You coming to Florida for a visit?" asked Daniel changing the subject knowing that their mother didn't like hearing about Starfleet business.
"Oh, I've got lots of leave coming. I'll be coming down for a visit. And I expect to do nothing for a week but swim, eat grilled meats, and relax," smiled Trip.
"We can arrange that for you, son," said Charles.
"Just don't invite Anna and Billy while Trip's there, or you'll ruin it for Trip," said Daniel.
"Your brother and sister aren't that bad with Trip," said Elaine, which made Charles laugh. Elaine glared at him and he stopped laughing.
Before Trip could comment Cadet Elizabeth Tucker came over to the table. She stood at attention. Trip stood up and smiled then said: "At ease, cadet."
AG chuckled. The moment he said at ease she hugged him. Trip returned the hug. When she stepped back Trip perused her gray uniform. He saw lieutenant pips on the collar.
"You are a cadet lieutenant already," he said. "Congratulations, Lizzy."
"And you're a captain, Trip," she smiled. "You're almost part of the admiralty."
"Far from it," he grinned. "I'll be on ships for years to come."
"You better be. I want to be under the best captain in the fleet some day," she said.
This time AG laughed out loud. Trip gave her a big hug then he whispered in her ear.
"Don't let Jon here you say that," smirked Trip.
"Can you join us, darling?" asked Elaine.
"Sorry, ma, I can't. I came over because we cadets are due back to our regular schedule, which in my case is warp theory," she said then glared at Trip. "I'm not a genius at warp theory like my brother, or so Dr. Milos says."
"You have Milos," smiled Trip. "I did great in his class."
"I know," she scowled.
She kissed her mother and father then waved at the kids and headed off. Trip sat back down.
STSTST
T'Pol arrived back at the Vulcan Compound for her meeting with Ambassador Skon. She wanted to see Charles receive his medals. Since the moment he kissed her, she has occupied a place in her mind. Even now that she was reading the original Kir'Shara, her thoughts turned towards him from time to time. This proved to her two things: her tel with Koss was gone and she would eventually need to deal with these emotions, yes emotions, about Charles.
Before going to her meeting with Skon, she went to her room and changed from the Human clothes that she wore to blend into the crowd into traditional Vulcan robes. Once dressed appropriately, she went to Skon's office. Upon arrival she was ushered in to see Skon. He was seated at his desk looking as if he was meditating.
"Ambassador Skon," she said then nodded her head in respect.
He motioned her to sit. She did.
"We are close to a treaty with the Humans. The Rhinnashu's presence has pushed us into agreeing to a few things which we did not anticipate on agreeing to, but the Humans will need," said Skon.
"Do these things involve the military?" asked T'Pol.
"Yes," he answered. "If the treaty is signed, and it will be in the months to come, we will have agreed to work allow them to see the schematics for our particle cannons. We will not offer any liaisons to help understand or create them, though. We will also offer them our sensor technology. As you know our sensors are far better than theirs. For that we will be offering a liaison. In return they will give us their transporter technology, which they say works perfectly inanimate matter but organic has been a problem."
"Is that all?" she asked.
"No. We will also agree to a non-aggression pact, as well as offer an embassy on Vulcan. Soval and I agree that Earth is worth developing diplomatic ties to," said Skon.
"And what do you expect of me?" she asked.
"We expect you to be the liaison for the sensors. That will include the installation of them on a starship and being a liaison on that starship in order to see that it worked properly with Earth technology and teach them how to use them with skill," he said.
"I see. Has it been decided what Starship this will be?" she asked.
"Considered how far along with are in negotiations Starfleet suggested a starship that is in the planning stage. It is will be called the Excalibur. I believe you have experience with its the Human who will command it, Captain Charles Tucker III," stated Skon.
T'Pol's heart picked up a beat, as she raised her left eyebrow in surprise.
"I shall be glad to be the liaison," she told him.
"Very good," said Skon. "Soval trusts you. You were his first choice. You will remain on Earth acting as a liaison to Starfleet until the treaty is signed and Excalibur is ready for you."
STSTST
Trip arrived at Starfleet Command and was escorted past security by Admiral Forrest Adjunct, Commander Amanda Spiros and to Admiral Forrest's office. His new rank of captain brought a new level of treatment that was going to take some time to get used to. When he was just a plain commander he'd have to show his ID and go through security then find his way to the office on his own.
"Admiral Forrest thinks highly of you," said Commander Spiros, as they turbolift took then to the Sixtieth floor.
Trip noticed that she was highly attractive with black hair and a tanned skin, yet he felt no sexual attraction towards her. This was unusual. If there was one thing that Jon used to tease him about and that was he was attracted easily to women and they were often attracted to him.
"Don't know why," Trip replied.
"Really," she smiled.
He knew she was flirting with him, but he just wasn't up to flirting.
"Yup, really," he smiled.
The turbolift came to a stop. They exited and he followed her down the hallway.
"Admiral Forrest ordered coffee and bagels for this meeting. Don't be afraid to eat if your hungry," she told him. "From what I heard he and Jefferies have scheduled this to be a long meeting."
"Thanks for letting me know," he said.
"Here we are," she said.
They entered a room, as the pneumatic doors opened. A male secretary was seated behind the desk. He nodded at Commander Spiros, who escorted him into the office area. Forrest and Jefferies were seated at a conference table drinking coffee and eating a bagel.
"Captain Tucker, sirs," said Spiros then she left Trip standing there.
"Sit down, Trip," said Forrest using his nickname. Jefferies knew him well but Forrest didn't.
Trip sat down.
"Pour yourself some coffee and have a bagel. I recommend the cream cheese and chive spread," said Forrest.
"Jefferies and I were just discussing the against space exploration movement. It's broken into two fraction: the Peace Movement and the Isolationists," said Forrest.
"The Peace Movement believes if we open our arms and give alien races a warm hug they will embrace us. We don't need weapons on our ships," snorted Jefferies.
"They never met Nausicaans," smirked Trip.
"Now the isolationists think we shouldn't leave the Sol system, maybe Andromeda, but that's it," added Forrest.
"They don't trust alien races," sighed Jefferies. "Both of them are fools."
"Let's change the subject. We have a great deal to talk about. From the encounter with the drone ship to your opinion on what the Excalibur is going to need. Jefferies doesn't want to finalize the design and upgrades until he talks to you," stated Forrest.
"You have practical experience, Trip, and you're one the best damned engineers I've worked with," said Jefferies.
Trip poured himself coffee and fixed it the way he liked it then chose a bagel and started smearing cream cheese and chives on it.
"We are close to a treaty with the Vulcans. Once it's signed we get to look at their particle cannons schematics and will get their sensors to try on one of our starships. Excalibur will be that ship," said Forrest.
"Buckle up for a long meeting," smiled Jefferies.
"Particle cannons," mused Trip.
"That's right. We are already working on the Mach II torpedoes. We don't intend on being under armed," said Forrest.
"Vulcan sensors, huh? From what I've been told they are far stronger, better range and more sensitive then ours," said Trip.
"We are going to give them transporter technology in return. Maybe they can get the kinks out that we having trouble with," said Jefferies.
"Before you two leave me behind in the conversation, let's talk about the drone encounter," stated Forrest.
"The Andorians have contacted us about deepening our relationship. They were impressed to hell by your solution against the drone. They respect warriors. You proved to them that we are warriors," said Jefferies. "I thought you proved we were good at thinking on our feet."
"Commander Shran was a piece of work," smiled Trip.
"Let's start there," said Forrest. "Tells us about the Andorians then we'll talk about the Excalibur."
STSTST
Trip was exhausted by the meeting entered the 602 where AG was waiting for him. The place was fairly crowded but he saw AG sitting alone at a table sipping a scotch. Not beer but a scotch. This wondered Trip. He knew AG sometimes turned to alcohol when he was turned inward. Trip walked over, sat down, and smiled.
"That was torture," said Trip.
"How long the meeting last?" asked AG.
"Three hours. Half hour was spent on the don ship and Andorians and the rest on the Excalibur," sighed Trip. "Since I'm the captain of it, Jefferies wants to push the boundaries with the Excalibur."
"Don't complain, Trip, you love it," smiled AG.
"Maybe I do," said Trip.
A waitress came over. She was about to hand them the PADD menus, when both men declined.
"I'll have a bacon cheeseburger with fries on the side," ordered AG.
"I'll have the cheeseburger with the egg sunny side up on it and onion rings," grinned Trip. "Oh, and I'll have a beer. Whatever is on tap."
"Okay," she said then left.
Trip looked at AG and said: "The leg still hurts?"
"I'm getting ghost pains. Plus, until my nerve ends get used the synthetic connections to the leg, the fake leg hurts, which is really annoying. You'd think that would be a benefit to losing your leg, the fake one doesn't hurt," grinned AG.
"How long is this supposed to last?" asked Trip.
"I'm doing rehab to make it as shirt as possible. But I've told told it take a month to get used to it," said AG.
"Well, if you need a friend to talk to, you know where to find me," said Trip.
The waitress brought over the beer for Trip then left them alone. Trip raised it for a toast.
"To AG Robinson, a man who long with Jonathan Archer has taught me what a good captain of a ship acts like," toasted Trip.
AG sipped his drink.
"I don't know where I'm going to find a XO as good as you again," said AG.
"Hey, when you get a list of candidates together, let me know. I'll offer my opinion," said Trip.
"I just might take you up on that, Captain Tucker," said AG.
STSTST
It was six in the morning. He got to his parents house late the night before. Basically, they hugged him and told him the first floor bedroom was his for the duration of his visit then went off to sleep. Trip had trouble falling asleep, so after a few hours he got up and a morning swim. With the sun just rising in the sky, he dove into the water and started swimming. When he was used to swimming in the ocean, he would have said that the water was perfect, not too cold or too warm, but it had been too long since his last swim, so the water felt bracing.
He started to swim a few laps swimming along the shoreline. After three laps he was exhausted, so he swam to shore, stood up when he was waist deep, and walked the rest of the way to the sand. He heard someone clapping as he got to shore. It was his brother Billy. Trip sighed internally.
"Newly made captain and hero, my baby brother," said Billy.
"I'm not in the mood, Billy," said Trip.
"Hey, ma and dad don't know I'm here. I came to talk to you. Give me an hour and I'll leave you alone," said Billy.
"What is it?" asked Trip, as he reached down and picked up his towel and started to dry off.
"Well, journalist want to start a program with Starfleet where at least one journalist is embedded on a starship that is headed into long or dangerous missions," he said. "We need some Starfleet officers to endorse the idea and I thought you might do it, if I convinced you."
"Why would I want someone like you on my ship?" asked Trip.
"For transparency and to report what's happening honestly," he answered.
"Maybe if I found your reporting honest, I'd say yes," said Trip.
"I think there are people who work for me that you'd find their reporting honest. How about I bring some of their articles up and you read them," offered Billy.
Trip sighed then said: "If I give you an hour then you let me alone for the rest of my leave?"
"Yes," smiled Billy.
"Okay."
STSTST
Malcolm stopped at the boat lake where people showed and raced their homemade remote controlled boats in Golden Gate Park. He sat down on a bench and waited. Within ten minutes a familiar figure sat down beside him.
"Harris," said Malcolm.
"Malcolm," smiled Harris.
"You wanted to talk to me, so talk," said Malcolm.
"I have convinced someone in Starfleet operations to put your name up for promotion to Lt. Commander and also throw your name in the hat as a potential XO for either the Enterprise or the Excalibur," said Harris.
"Why?" Malcolm asked.
"Because war clouds are gathering, Malcolm. It's inevitable and I want you well placed on a ship," said Harris.
"So, I can be your eyes and ears," snorted Malcolm.
"So, you be in a position to have a positive effect on the coming war," said Harris.
He then stood up and walked away leaving Malcolm to watch the boats.